ABSTRACT
Introduction: The spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new public health concern that has shaken the whole world and possesses a challenge to the mental health of the public. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the perceived stress, anxiety level, and mental health of medical students as well as to explore the knowledge of COVID-19 among Indian medical students. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among the undergraduate medical interns and postgraduate medical residents using the online data collection form. The form consisted of five domains (sociodemographic details, knowledge assessment, perceived stress assessment, generalized anxiety disorder-7 assessment, and assessment of the perceived level of change in social habits and personal hygiene related to COVID-19 outbreak). The statistical analysis of the responses was carried out by the Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Two hundred participants filled the distributed survey, 61% (n = 122) were males. The mean knowledge score of 200 participants was 4.27 ± 1.45. The participant had a mean perceived stress score of 18.35 ± 6.28, and the females had a significantly higher perceived stress level than the male (P = 0.037). About 10% (n = 20) of the participants reported high perceived stress level (27-40), and moderate stress (score 14-26) was reported in 69% (n = 138) of the participants. However, only 21% (n = 42) of the participants reported low stress (0-13). While only moderate anxiety (score 10-14) was reported in 16% (n = 32) of the participant and 4% (n = 8) of the participants reported severe anxiety (score >14). Conclusion: There is an increased stress and anxiety in Indian medical students due to overburdened responsibilities and lack of adequate resources. © 2021 Medknow. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, rapid yet complex policy changes have been implemented by the UK government. Whilst some changes were implemented across the four nations, countries took a varied approach in managing the pandemic. Policy implications are rarely limited to direct and intended outcomes, therefore, documenting such changes can help assess the wider implications of responses to COVID-19. In particular, the out-of-home sector witnessed a large shift in policies. With 65% and 29% of Scottish adult population living with overweight and obesity respectively, it is crucial to evaluate the impact of any policies on the health of the nation1. Methodology: This study conducted a policy review creating a timeline of national policy responses since the COVID-19 pandemic with a particular focus on out-of-home policy developments in Scotland. Information gathered included description of the policy, when the changes began, by whom, the rationale behind the changes, how these changes were communicated, and impact/evaluation where available. Due to the small scale of this review, policies were limited to those with direct and indirect impact on food, nutrition and health. Results: COVID-19 related health and social care policy responses in Scotland and UK were vast and at many levels. Whilst lockdown measures were deemed successful in limiting spread of COVID-19, there were other implications noted for food, nutrition and health. Substantial negative impacts were concluded from COVID-19 and measures taken against it on the population's mental and physical health2. Food affordability concerns varied during the pandemic. Takeaway consumption in Scotland decreased and the population was noted to cook more however, overall consumption of unhealthy foods such as discretionary foods, increased3,4. Initial policy responses also led to implementation of further policy measures;'Eat Out to Help Out' initiative was designed to support businesses upon reopening following the first lockdown5. Conclusion: Expectedly, policy changes were largely focused on limiting the spread of COVID-19 and preserving the nation's economy. Direct health implications remain inconclusive. Further research is recommended to monitor the health of the population including the impact on obesity and overweight. The effects of policy changes over the COVID-19 pandemic primarily resulted in worsening of Scottish diets. In line with Scotland's obesity strategy, future policies that directly or indirectly affect nation's health and nutrition should address the unhealthy food environment with a particular focus on the out-of-home sector1.